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Background and Aim: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses are the most reliable sources of evidence in evidence-based practice. Analyzing the scientometric and authorship features of these articles at the national level can provide useful information for various decision-makers. This study aimed to investigate the scientometric and authorship characteristics of Iran’s systematic review and meta-analysis articles indexed in Scopus. Materials and Methods: The current research was conducted using a scientometric approach. The research population includes 9579 systematic review and meta-analysis articles published between 2011 and 2021, and Iran is the affiliated country of at least one of the authors. The quantitative and qualitative growth process of articles as well as the authorship characteristics are examined in this research, among other things. Results: Review of 9579 articles indicate an increasing trend in the publication, with the highest number of articles (2565) being published in 2021. The thematic analysis shows that the majority of articles are related to the field of Medicine, with 7112 articles, followed by Biochemistry, Genetics, and Molecular Biology with 1433 articles. The highest H-index, 68, refers to the year 2018 and the highest percentage of articles included in the Hirsch Index horizon refers to the year 2011. The highest average number of citations per article is 146.44, observed in 2012, while the lowest is 4.62, reported in 2021. The highest average number of citations in relation to the age of the articles was 9735/34 in 2020, whereas the minimum was 279 in 2011.Calculating the percentage of articles above the H-index horizontal line based on total articles of each year, along with the average citation per article, shows a decreasing trend with slight fluctuations. On the other hand, there is a growing trend when considering the number of citations in relation to the age of the articles. The lowest average author count (5.48) is linked to 2011, whereas the highest count (12) is related to 2012. The first and the corresponding author of more than 91% of the articles was from Iran. In conducting the examined articles, researchers from the United States collaborated the most (12.05%) with researchers from Iran. University of Tehran, as the authors' affiliated organization, has contributed the most to the examined articles (27.81%). The Iranian Journal of Public Health has published the most of the examined articles (36/1%). Conclusion: The articles under investigation show an increasing trend of growth, yet further research is needed to assess their qualitative trend. Given the rising significance of evidence-based practice, the stakeholders need to ensure the maintenance of the quantitative growth trend and the enhancement of the qualitative growth of these articles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: The variation of reported nosocomial infection is very high respectively. It seems review systematic and Meta analysis of related documents gives precise estimate of this subject for correct politisize. So tha aim of this study the review systematic and meta analysis of prevalence and causes of nosocomial infection in iran. Materials and Methods: For this study all articles published in Iranian journals and international journals, Final Report of Research Projects, related papers presented at congresses and thesis were reviewed with using standard and sensitive keywords. Then, all articles published between 1997-2010 years that had eligibility Inclusion criteria after quality control, using random model, intered to process of meta-analysis. Results: The finding show that the best estimate of total prevalence of nosocomial infection in Iran is 30.43% and the most common infections of nosocomial infection are respiratory infection 39.4%%, urinary infection 23.88%, bacteremia 21.98% and the most common factors of nosocomial infection are Pseudomonas aeroginosa 26.78%, klebsiella 31.42%, Staphylococcus 23.6% and E.coli 30.93%. The research also found a substantial heterogeneity that using meta regression method the main cause of produce of this heterogeneity, participants people, sample size, average age of the samples, time of study and gender were introduced. Conclusions: The simple review of studied documents in this survey show that prevalence rate of different nosocomial infection in Iran is high relatively. Hence make appropriate and evidence-based educational and control programs to reduce nosocomial infections prevalence rate in Iran should be considered by policy makers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Unnecessary patient admission to a hospital refers to the hospitalization of a patient without clinical indications and criteria. Various factors related to the patient (e.g., age, disease severity, payment method, and admission route and time), the physician and the hospital and its facilities and diagnostic technologies affect a patient unnecessary admission in a hospital. Unnecessary patient hospitalization increases nosocomial infections, morbidity and mortality, and decreases patient satisfaction and hospital productivity. This study aimed to measure unnecessary patient admissions in hospitals in Iran. Methods: This study was conducted using a systematic review and meta-analysis at Tehran University of Medical Science in August 2019. Seven electronic databases were searched and evaluated for original research papers published between March 2006 and 2018 on patients’ unnecessary admission to a hospital. Finally, 12 articles were selected and analyzed using comprehensive meta-analysis software. Results: All studies used the appropriateness evaluation protocol (AEP) for assessing patients’ unnecessary hospitalization in the hospitals. Overall, 2.7% of hospital admissions were rated as inappropriate and unnecessary (CI 95%: 1.5-4.9%). The highest unnecessary patients’ admissions were 11.8% in a teaching hospital in Meshginshahr city in 2016, (CI 95%: 8.8-15.8%) and the lowest unnecessary patients’ admissions was 0.3% in a teaching hospital in Yasuj city in 2016 (CI 95%: 0-3.6%). Unnecessary patient admission in public hospitals was higher than private hospitals. A significant statistical correlation was observed between unnecessary patient admission, and sample size (P<0.05). Conclusion: The rate of unnecessary hospital admission in Iran is low. However, hospital resources are wasted due to unnecessary admissions. Expanding the primary health care network, reducing hospital beds, introducing an effective and efficient patient referral system, using a fixed provider payment method, and promoting residential and social services care at macro level, and establishing utilization management committee, using the appropriateness evaluation protocol, establishing short-stay units, and implementing quality management strategies at the hospital level are useful strategies for reducing avoidable hospital admissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Cleft lip and cleft palate are the most common congenital defects in the jaw and face. These defects can make serious problems, such as facial deformity, nutritional problems, respiratory problems, and difficulties with social interaction. Awareness of the incidence of these defects in the community is important. In a systematic review and meta-analysis we aimed at investigating the prevalence of cleft lip and cleft palate in Iran. Materials and methods: An advanced search was conducted in all credible databases to access relevant articles using related keywords until February 1, 2018. After removing the duplicate, irrelevant, and poor quality papers, 17 articles were included. Data were analyzed applying random effects model in RevMan5.3 software. Results: Total number of samples in selected articles was 1,077,537 neonates. Prevalence of oral cleft, both cleft lip and cleft palate, cleft lip, and cleft palate was 1.24 (CI 95%; 1.10-1.38), 0.88 (CI 95%; 0.70-1.06), 0.34 (CI 95%; 0.28-0.40), and 0.35 (CI 95%; 0.27-0.43) in 1000 live births. The prevalence of this disorder was found to be higher in males (1.82 vs. 1.09). Conclusion: The overall prevalence of cleft lip and cleft palate in this study was lower than that in other countries in the Middle East and Asia. But its prevalence varies in different parts of Iran, therefore, it is necessary to investigate the risk factors in high risk areas and making appropriate plans to reduce the rate of cleft lip and cleft palate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current study is a meta-analysis of the conducted knowledge management (KM) researches in Iran`s public organizations during the period of last 10 years. In this research, it is attempted to achieve a comprehensive picture of the studies in this field of research in the national level through investigation of the previous researches and based on that, to attract the attention of the researchers on the neglected fields and eventually help the development of this concept in the country. The statistical population of this study includes 87 scientific research papers which has been published during the period of 2006-2015. Among these studies, a sample of 69 papers were chosen as statistical sample and after thorough investigation of these articles, the findings showed that most of the researches were focused on organizational culture and organizational structure in knowledge management projects in the governmental organizations and the least studies focused on intellectual property and technical infrastructures. Finally, some suggestions were offered for correction for the study process in this field.

Background & Aim: Needlestick injury is an occupational risk. Medical university students are more likely to prone to this kind of injury in comparison to other students due to their limited knowledge, skills and clinical experiences. The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the prevalence of needlestick injury in medical university students in Iran. Methods & Materials: In the present systematic review and metaanalysis, 22 papers written by Iranian researchers published in Persian and English, were included without time limitations. The articles were found by searching Iranian (Magiran, Scientific Information Databases (SID) and IranMedex) and international (Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed and Scopus) databases. Data were analyzed using meta-analysis method and the random effects model. Results: The overall prevalence of needlestick injury among medical university students was 47% (95% CI: 39-55). There was no relationship between vaccine coverage, age of samples, and sample size with the prevalence of needlestick injury. The prevalence of needlestick injuries significantly decreased with increase in the publication years of articles (P=0.03), and significantly increased (P=0.049) with lack of reporting. Conclusion: Considering the high prevalence of needlestick injury in the students of medical sciences universities, it is of great necessity to design educational programs focusing on the proper use of sharp and cutting instruments as well as the importance of reporting and modifying professional behavior such as avoiding the reinsertion of needles in order to reduce the incidence rate of needlestick injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Unnecessary patient admission to a hospital refers to the hospitalization of a patient without clinical indications and criteria. Various factors related to the patient (e.g., age, disease severity, payment method, and admission route and time), the physician and the hospital and its facilities and diagnostic technologies affect a patient unnecessary admission in a hospital. Unnecessary patient hospitalization increases nosocomial infections, morbidity and mortality, and decreases patient satisfaction and hospital productivity. This study aimed to measure unnecessary patient admissions in hospitals in Iran. Methods: This study was conducted using a systematic review and meta-analysis at Tehran University of Medical Science in August 2019. Seven electronic databases were searched and evaluated for original research papers published between March 2006 and 2018 on patients’ unnecessary admission to a hospital. Finally, 12 articles were selected and analyzed using comprehensive meta-analysis software. Results: All studies used the appropriateness evaluation protocol (AEP) for assessing patients’ unnecessary hospitalization in the hospitals. Overall, 2.7% of hospital admissions were rated as inappropriate and unnecessary (CI 95%: 1.5-4.9%). The highest unnecessary patients’ admissions were 11.8% in a teaching hospital in Meshginshahr city in 2016, (CI 95%: 8.8%-15.8%) and the lowest unnecessary patients’ admissions was 0.3% in a teaching hospital in Yasuj city in 2016 (CI 95%: 0%-3.6%). Unnecessary patient admission in public hospitals was higher than private hospitals. A significant statistical correlation was observed between unnecessary patient admission, and sample size (P

Background and purpose: Cleft lip and cleft palate are the most common congenital defects in the jaw and face. These defects can make serious problems, such as facial deformity, nutritional problems, respiratory problems, and difficulties with social interaction. Awareness of the incidence of these defects in the community is important. In a systematic review and meta-analysis we aimed at investigating the prevalence of cleft lip and cleft palate in Iran. Materials and methods: An advanced search was conducted in all credible databases to access relevant articles using related keywords until February 1, 2018. After removing the duplicate, irrelevant, and poor quality papers, 17 articles were included. Data were analyzed applying random effects model in RevMan5.3 software. Results: Total number of samples in selected articles was 1,077,537 neonates. Prevalence of oral cleft, both cleft lip and cleft palate, cleft lip, and cleft palate was 1.24 (CI 95%; 1.10-1.38), 0.88 (CI 95%; 0.70-1.06), 0.34 (CI 95%; 0.28-0.40), and 0.35 (CI 95%; 0.27-0.43) in 1000 live births. The prevalence of this disorder was found to be higher in males (1.82 vs. 1.09). Conclusion: The overall prevalence of cleft lip and cleft palate in this study was lower than that in other countries in the Middle East and Asia. But its prevalence varies in different parts of Iran, therefore, it is necessary to investigate the risk factors in high risk areas and making appropriate plans to reduce the rate of cleft lip and cleft palate.

Introduction: Menopause is the most important event during the middle age period, which is characterized by cessation of menstruation for at least 12 months (not related to pregnancy, breast-feeding, or other hormonal disorders). Due to hormonal changes during this period, the risk of many diseases including osteoporosis and heart disease increases, therefore, studying this critical period of life seems essential. Materials & Methods: Totally, 34 papers were collected and analyzed by searching Magiran, Irandoc, Google scholar, ISI, Cochrane, Embase, SID, and PubMed databases. To pool mean menopause age in the retrieved studies, we used mean, standard deviation, and sample size in each study. The weighted mean and normal distribution were used to synthesize results. Confidence intervals were computed using random effects model in meta-analysis. The heterogeneity of the studies has been checked by I² statistics and the data were analyzed by applying R and STATA (Ver11/2) software. Findings: The total number of women in the studies was 27,250 with the mean age of 51.8 ± 4.79 years. The average age of menopause was 48.26 years (95% CI 46.85 to 49.67). Ten articles with the total sample size of 13,260 showed that the median of pregnancy age was 49.7 ± 1.52 years. Discussion & Conclusions: According to the results of the recent studies and the low mean age of menopause in Iran compared to the developed countries, to reduce the complications of this important period of life, extended health programs are recommended to be planned and implemented to improve the quality of life in women experiencing menopause.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Amblyopia is one of the common eye diseases in children and the risk of vision loss is possible. Therefore, the aim of this study is systematic review and meta-analysis in order to align the studies on the prevalence of amblyopia in Iranian children. METHODS: In this systematic review and meta-analysis relevant articles in scientific databases including SID, Science Direct and Medline (PubMed) and Google Scholar in March 1999- February 2017, using the Persian and English Keywords of Amblyopia, children, Iran. FINDINGS: In the review of internal and external journals and search on SID databases 22 articles, PubMed 126 articles, Science Direct 112 articles and 116 Google Scholar search engines were obtained. Then the articles that had the initial conditions for entry into the study were 162 cases based on preliminary studies, with the elimination of 214 repetitive articles. Finally, removing 120 articles unrelated to the topic of the study and removing 24 articles in the secondary studies ultimately 18 papers entered the meta-analysis process. The overall Prevalence of amblyopia in Iranian children was 5.4 % (Cl-95%: 3.1%-9.1%). CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, the prevalence of amblyopia in Iranian children is high.

Background & Aim: Needlestick injury is an occupational risk. Medical university students are more likely to prone to this kind of injury in comparison to other students due to their limited knowledge, skills and clinical experiences. The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the prevalence of needlestick injury in medical university students in Iran. Methods & Materials: In the present systematic review and meta-analysis, 22 papers written by Iranian researchers published in Persian and English, were included without time limitations. The articles were found by searching Iranian (Magiran, Scientific Information Databases (SID) and IranMedex) and international (Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed and Scopus) databases. Data were analyzed using meta-analysis method and the random effects model. Results: The overall prevalence of needlestick injury among medical university students was 47% (95% CI: 39-55). There was no relationship between vaccine coverage, age of samples, and sample size with the prevalence of needlestick injury. The prevalence of needlestick injuries significantly decreased with increase in the publication years of articles (P=0.03), and significantly increased (P=0.049) with lack of reporting. Conclusion: Considering the high prevalence of needlestick injury in the students of medical sciences universities, it is of great necessity to design educational programs focusing on the proper use of sharp and cutting instruments as well as the importance of reporting and modifying professional behavior such as avoiding the reinsertion of needles in order to reduce the incidence rate of needlestick injuries.

Objective (s): Obesity is a major public health problem worldwide. This review was carried out to assess obesity among Iranian primary school students. Methods: All cross-sectional studies that conducted on prevalence of obesity in adolescents in Iran without any restrictions was examined. The search engines included national and international databases including: Magiran, SID, Iranmedex, Scopus and PubMed in August 2015. Stata software version 12 was used for analysis of data and to obtain a summary measure. Results: In all 25 papers had the inclusion criteria for the study. Studies showed that the prevalence of obesity in Iranian primary school students was 7.18 percent (95% CI: 5.63-8.73). The prevalence of obesity was higher in boys than girls (8.02% vs. 6.07 %). Conclusion: This information might help to implement interventions to prevent obesity among Iranian primary school students. It seems that implementing interventions that aim to improve lifestyle and dietary patterns of this age group range are essential.

Introduction: Lead exposure is considered as a global health problem. The irreparable harmful effects of this heavy metal on human have been proven in various studies. Comparing to general population, workers in related industries are more exposed to lead. Several studies have investigated lead occupational exposure and its biological evaluation in Iran; however there is no overall estimate. Thus, the present study was conducted to determine the occupational exposure to lead and its biological evaluation in Iranian workers, using systematic review and meta-analysis. Material and Method: This study was carried out based on information obtained from databases including Magiran, Iranmedex, SID, Medlib, Trials Register, Scopus, Pubmed, Science Direct, Cochran, Embase, Medline, Web of Science, Springer, Online Library Wiley, and Google Scholar from 1991 to 2016, using standard key words. All of the reviewed papers which met the inclusion criteria have been evaluated. Data combination was performed according to Random Effects Model using Stata software version 11.1. Result: In the 34 qualified studies, the mean blood lead level (BLL) concentration in Iranian workers was estimated 42.8µg/dl (95% CI: 35.15-50.49). The minimum and maximum BLL were belonged to west (28.348µg/dl) and center (45.928µg/dl) regions of Iran, respectively. Considering different occupations, the lowest mean value was reported in textile industry workers (12.3 µg/dl), while the highest value was for zinc-lead mine workers (72.6 µg/dl). Mean breathing air lead level of Iranian workers reported in 4 studies was estimated 0.23 mg/m3 (95% CI: 0.14-0.33). Conclusion: According to the high concentration of BLL and breathing air, it is recommended to increase protective measures and frequent screening. Scheduled clinical and paraclinical examination should also be performed for workers.

Introduction: Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) is one of the most common endocrine complications in major thalassemia patients. IGT prevalence in patients with thalassemia major has been differently in different studies in Iran, about which no total estimate can be proposed. Hence, this meta analysis study aimed to investigate IGT prevalence in major thalassemia patients in Iran. Methods: This study was a systematic review based on electronic databases including Magiran, Iranmedex, SID, Medlib, IranDoc, Scopus, PubMed, Sciencedirect, Cochrane, Embase, Web of Science, Springer, Online Library Wiley as well as Google Scholar search engine without any time limitations up to 2015. All the potentially relevant papers were reviewed independently by two investigators using the standard key words. Then, all the reviewed studies that had inclusion criterion were evaluated. In order to statistically analyze the study data, random effect model was used via Stata software (Ver.11.1). Results: 1346 subjects were examined in 13 studies. IGT prevalence in patients with thalassemia major was estimated 9.6 %( CI: 95%, 6.6-12.5) in Iran. The IGT prevalence in male and female major thalassemia patients were 6.5 %( CI: 95%, 1.6-11.3) and 10.2 %( CI: 95% , 6.1-14.3), respectively. Conclusion: IGT Prevalence was demonstrated to be really high in patients with thalassemia major. As a result, implementing screening programs seems to be necessary in regard with early diagnosis of endocrine disorders especially IGT in these patients. Furthermore, it is recommended that annual glucose tolerance test be taken within such patients.

Background and Aim: The variation of reported nosocomial infection is very high respectively. It seems review systematic and Meta analysis of related documents gives precise estimate of this subject for correct politisize. So tha aim of this study the review systematic and meta analysis of prevalence and causes of nosocomial infection in iran. Materials and Methods: For this study all articles published in Iranian journals and international journals, Final Report of Research Projects, related papers presented at congresses and thesis were reviewed with using standard and sensitive keywords. Then, all articles published between 1997-2010 years that had eligibility Inclusion criteria after quality control, using random model, intered to process of meta-analysis. Results: The finding show that the best estimate of total prevalence of nosocomial infection in Iran is 30.43% and the most common infections of nosocomial infection are respiratory infection 39.4%%, urinary infection 23.88%, bacteremia 21.98% and the most common factors of nosocomial infection are Pseudomonas aeroginosa 26.78%, klebsiella 31.42%, Staphylococcus 23.6% and E.coli 30.93%. The research also found a substantial heterogeneity that using meta regression method the main cause of produce of this heterogeneity, participants people, sample size, average age of the samples, time of study and gender were introduced. Conclusions: The simple review of studied documents in this survey show that prevalence rate of different nosocomial infection in Iran is high relatively. Hence make appropriate and evidence-based educational and control programs to reduce nosocomial infections prevalence rate in Iran should be considered by policy makers.

Background and Aim: The variation of reported nosocomial infection is very high respectively. It seems review systematic and Meta analysis of related documents gives precise estimate of this subject for correct politisize. So tha aim of this study the review systematic and meta analysis of prevalence and causes of nosocomial infection in iran. Materials and Methods: For this study all articles published in Iranian journals and international journals, Final Report of Research Projects, related papers presented at congresses and thesis were reviewed with using standard and sensitive keywords. Then, all articles published between 1997-2010 years that had eligibility Inclusion criteria after quality control, using random model, intered to process of meta-analysis. Results: The finding show that the best estimate of total prevalence of nosocomial infection in Iran is 30.43% and the most common infections of nosocomial infection are respiratory infection 39.4%%, urinary infection 23.88%, bacteremia 21.98% and the most common factors of nosocomial infection are Pseudomonas aeroginosa 26.78%, klebsiella 31.42%, Staphylococcus 23.6% and E.coli 30.93%. The research also found a substantial heterogeneity that using meta regression method the main cause of produce of this heterogeneity, participants people, sample size, average age of the samples, time of study and gender were introduced. Conclusions: The simple review of studied documents in this survey show that prevalence rate of different nosocomial infection in Iran is high relatively. Hence make appropriate and evidence-based educational and control programs to reduce nosocomial infections prevalence rate in Iran should be considered by policy makers.

Background: Children's health, preserving and promoting it is a health priority of any society. Malnutrition affects all age groups, but malnutrition in children is one of the most common nutritional problems that can delay body growth, shortened height, frequent infections, mental retardation, the prevalence of mental disorders, lack of academic achievement and reduced efficacy. Because of the importance and impact of this issue in children, the purpose of this study was a systematic review and metaanalysis of the prevalence of underweight in Iranian children, in order to highlight the importance of this issue to health policy-makers. Methods: A meta-analysis was performed for relevant articles in scientific databases including Scientific Information Database (SID), ScienceDirect, PubMed and Google Scholar. Entrance criteria included cross-sectional studies (March 1996 to February 2017) that had a low incidence of underweight in Iranian children in different parts of Iran. Non-relevant articles included review articles, interventions, cohorts and case studies, and studies that looked at obesity, overweight and the relationship between these factors and other diseases, excluded from the study list. Reference lists of identified articles were reviewed for additional articles. Heterogeneity of study was checked using I2 index and the possibility of publication bias by funnel plot and Begg and Mazumdar's rank correlation test and a significance level of 0.1. Data were analyzed using the comprehensive meta-analysis software, version 3 (Biostat, Englewood, NJ, USA). Results: In 26 articles reviewed in the study, total number of participants was 142938 persons at the age of 1 month to 12 years. The overall prevalence of underweight in Iranian children was 15.5% (Cl 95%: 12%-19.7%) during 1996 to 2017. The highest prevalence of underweight in was recorded in Birjand city in 2006 and Zahedan city in 2009, 68.6% (Cl 95%: 63.3%-72.9%) and the lowest prevalence of underweight in was found in city of Jahrom in 2013, 1.8% (Cl 95%: 1.2%-2.9%). Conclusion: According to the results of this study, the prevalence of low-birth-weight in the country is high and requires interventional measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]